I don't have any nitty gritty details added yet, those will come.  I'm hoping to help others by some of the things I've learned that have helped (or hindered) as I've been going through this process.

http://thebaldandthebreastless.wordpress.com/2014/10/08/the-beginning-of-the-bald-and-the-breastless/ 

Your title reminded me of a comment my younger brother made many years ago.

The context: My Mom, just had dental work done which included dentures as part of her dailey routine. Shortly thereafter she found out she had breast cancer (in the late 70's). Her treatment included a mascetomy and chemo with the resultant patchy hair. There was a day when she was having a "down day" (something she rarely showed us kids). My younger brother, who was 7 or 8 at the time was trying to cheer her up as only a 7 or 8 year old can when he said: "Mom, it's okay you don't have to dress up for halloween. Just take off your scarf and take out your teeth."

I was the much more worldly older brother of 13 or 14 and I just about crapped my pants and held my breath. My Mom never had a temper (and still doesn't) but I was not sure what was going to happen here. She started laughing and crying all at the same time and it all ended up in laughter.

To this day I laugh and cry as I tell that story. My Mom raised all 5 kids on her own because either my Dad was away while in the navy and then they were divorced (and he died only a year or two earlier). I do not think I can have any more respect for a person than my Mom.

That blog post reminds me of a happy/sad/trying time in my life that helped form a family strength. Thanks for that.